The first thing I see when I look out my window is my flag of the United States of America blowing in the breeze. Often, I will sit and gaze at the flag - great focus for thinking. These are my musings and ramblings, and, on occasion, rants... I am unapologetic in my support of our military, our country and my devotion to God. I will honor them and pay tribute to them here.
Along the side bar you will find tributes to Oregon's fallen warriors.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Sandra Quaschnick, right, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Bailey, left, render salutes during the "Flags In" ceremony to honor fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Quaschnick and Bailey are assigned to the the Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andres Yanez renders a salute during the "Flags In" tribute honoring fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, VA., May 22, 2008. Yanez, who regularly supervises funeral details at the cemetery, said it is an honor to participate in the tribute. Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Kuhne, places the fourth flag in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns during the "Flags In" Tribute yesterday evening at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Kuhne is the commander of the relief for the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Since 1948, the "Flags In" ceremony has taken place at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, it will take place on May 21.

The flags are placed at each headstone and at the Tomb of the Unknowns by the Tomb Sentinels and at the cemetery's Columbarium. Each resting place will have a flag placed upon it, which will be there until the end of Memorial Day.

This year, flags will be placed by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery.

Phyliss-At Arlington, the flag is placed one foot away from the stone and centered in front of the stone - you can see that in the 2nd and 3td photos. My understanding is that all National Cemeteries are done this way.